The term special edition implies a kind of an extraordinary, rare quality. Generally used a marketing phrase, it is intended to give a product a feel of containing something new and previously unseen; that it is somehow better, unique or more desirable than a "regular" edition, whatever it is. Traditionally, Marketing has been a term applied to the craft of linking the producers (or potential producers) of a product or service with customers, both existing and potential. ... A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence. ... In printmaking, an edition is a set of prints off one plate, composing a limited run of prints. ...

The rampant misuse and overuse by the marketing world has done considerable harm to the term and related ones, diluting their value to nigh vapour. Occasionally it is the case that the first releases are found to be sub-par, and that only in the special edition have things been put in a satisfactory state.

Another related term, limited edition, is a marketing phrase that generally carries a sense of urgency. Items marked thus are generally (but not always) released for a shorter time and in lower quantity than the "regular" ones, often with a running number printed on the products to boost the rarity feel. Such versions generally do not offer much in way of actual new material, but are often packaged more complex and attractive.

The whole limited edition term is slightly redundant in the sense that even the plain word edition automatically implies a finite number of articles in the pressing, and if you want to think about a different way, nothing lasts forever - not even a continuous, non-deleted pressing of a pop culture item. Redundancy, in general terms, refers to the quality or state of being redundant, that is: exceeding what is necessary or normal, containing an excess. ... In printmaking, an edition is a set of prints off one plate, composing a limited run of prints. ...

As stated, collectible (and disposable) popular culture widely employs these terms in marketing, releasing subsequent, improved versions of movie DVDs, music, games... if you remember to leave something off the previous versions, you can theoretically make the consumer buy your product as many times as you like. Popular culture, or pop culture, is the vernacular (peoples) culture that prevails in a modern society. ...